Depression: how do I tell my significant other?
I have a wonderful relationship with my boyfriend. However, there is one thing I have not told him about me. I suffer from depressive episodes. I do tell him about my work issues and he is a wonderful listener and gives me support when I relate these experiences. But I'm afraid to tell him about my depression. He has had his own trials and tribulations within his own family with depression. And he has a rather negative viewpoint on this condition. I realize that he has drawn his own conclusions about depression and how it affects people. Although I feel he is not correct in his assumptions of this medical condition; I still want to tell him. But fear of losing him is holding me back. Before I can move to the next level of our relationship; (marriage), I would greatly appreciate any advice anyone can give me on this problem. Thank you very much. xandia ❤️
@xandia
Thank you for sharing this. I completely understand what you are dealing with. So many people view depression as something defective in a person and that is really sad. But I love that you are so self-aware and thinking about the best way to help your bf understand it better. It is important that you can be yourself especially if you are heading toward marriage. Sending you vibes for clarity and peace.
@xandia I can honestly say that before I told my boyfriend about my depression, he kinda saw it the same way--the "everyone gets sad sometimes" and "why can't people just choose to be happy instead". But I knew that, like you said about your boyfriend, he cared for me an insane amount. After I was diagnosed with depression, I just honestly told him, and that I had known for quite a while but this was a confirmation. All he told me was that he'd always be here for me, and asked questions about he could help.
My advice to you would be to do the same. Be honest with him about what's going on in your life, because honesty is the best policy when it comes to long lasting relationships, even if we share something embarrassing or something we think is shameful about ourselves. I'm sure that he loves you enough that he'll want to support you through anything, and will probably start thinking differently as a result.
